Rahul Gandhi meets visiting New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New Delhi today. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and New Zealand, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations.¹

The discussion took place a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Luxon engaged in talks, resulting in an ambitious defense pact and a commitment to increased cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. During their meeting, Modi expressed concerns over certain groups in New Zealand engaging in anti-India activities.²

PM Luxon's visit to India is part of a five-day official tour, where he will be the chief guest at the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue. He has also announced the launch of negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.³

Luxon has been actively engaging with Indian leaders and communities, including meeting President Droupadi Murmu and addressing the Raisina Dialogue. He has also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand, highlighting their role as the third-largest ethnic group and a crucial source of skilled migrants.

*This news has been published on The Hindu on 18th March 2025.